National Stakeholder Consultation on Opportunity Crops in India

19-20 August 2025. National Stakeholder Consultation on Opportunity Crops in India, under the Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF)

MSSRF and Crop Trust brought together farmers, researchers, government and international agencies for a crucial conversation about India's opportunity crops (millets, pulses, tubers, etc.) and why they're essential for a nutrition-secure future.

• Nico Wilms Posen from the Crop Trust opened the conversation by announcing the organisation’s first steps into India’s NUS space. These crops, often overlooked in modern agriculture, are deeply rooted in local traditions and ecosystems. 
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  Dr. Kuldeep Singh of ICRISAT reminded the audience that older generations in rural villages still cook with millets and understand their nutritional benefits—knowledge that must be preserved and passed on.
• Dr. J.C. Rana from the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT raised concerns about the loss of indigenous
  food wisdom and called for youth engagement in reviving Indian crops. “We must be sensitive in how we involve young people,” he said, “but their participation is essential.” Dr. Tara Satyavathi of IIMR emphasized that food, health, and nutrition should be top priorities, and encouraged a shift from refined flour to millets, which offer better health and
  business opportunities for communities.
  
• Dr. Sunil Archak from National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) added that instead of introducing new crops, we should identify and support those already thriving in specific regions. He also highlighted the importance of youth involvement in building sustainable food systems.
• Farmers from Kolli Hills and Allapadi shared powerful stories of resilience and innovation. They’ve been growing millets and black gram, forming federations and working with MSSRF to overcome market challenges. Yet, they still face hurdles in reaching the right consumers and making their produce more accessible.
  
• Dr. Soumya Swaminathan emphasised the urgent need to bridge the gap between traditional producers and modern markets. She spotlighted the broader issue of agrobiodiversity loss, particularly in regions like Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast, and called for tracking and reviving non-mainstream crops—including marine foods like seaweed, once a dietary staple now largely forgotten. Addressing a critical gap in nutrition—especially for women—Dr. Soumya Swaminathan highlighted the importance of iron, protein, and micronutrient-rich foods. “The answer could come from food,” she said, advocating for millets to be made more accessible through the Public Distribution System (PDS).  Importantly, she recognised the pivotal role of women farmers as custodians of traditional crops. “They’ve done the hard work of conserving these species,” she noted, “but the drudgery is intense. We must do more to support them.”